Beer-Braised Turkey Tacos
Recipe from
Food & Wine
Skinless turkey thighs and drumsticks are packed with flavor; they're also low in fat and high in protein and essential minerals like selenium. Deborah Schneider braises the meat in beer until ultratender, then shreds it for tacos. "It's also fabulous in a sandwich," she says.

Servings:
Makes 12 tacos
Prep Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Ingredients
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2 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oilsee savings

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2 1-poundbone-in turkey thighs or drumsticks, skin and fat removedsee savings

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Salt and freshly ground peppersee savings

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4large garlic cloves, thinly slicedsee savings

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1medium white onion, cut into 1-inch dice, plus minced white onion, for servingsee savings

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1large oregano sprigsee savings

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1large jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thicksee savings

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1medium tomato, coarsely choppedsee savings

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1ancho chile, stemmed, seeded and coarsely chopped or tornsee savings

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12-inch cinnamon sticksee savings

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1 12-ouncebottle Mexican dark beer, such as Modelo Negrosee savings

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1 cupwatersee savings

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12corn tortillassee savings

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2 tablespoonstoasted sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs, for servingsee savings

Directions
1.
In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season the turkey with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until richly browned all over, about 8 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a plate.
2.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the casserole along with the garlic, diced onion, oregano and jalapeno and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Add the tomato, ancho and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, until the tomato releases its juices.
3.
Return the turkey to the casserole, add the beer and water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat, turning once, until the turkey thighs are tender, about 1 hour. Transfer the turkey to a plate and let cool. Discard the oregano sprig and cinnamon stick and boil the sauce over high heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 12 minutes.
4.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for about 8 minutes, until softened and heated through. Remove the turkey meat and shred it. Transfer the sauce to a food processor and puree. Return the sauce to the pot and stir in the shredded turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the turkey onto the tortillas. Top with minced onion, sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs and serve.
Make Ahead
The shredded braised turkey can be refrigerated in the sauce for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
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